How to Void a Check
4 Min Read | Published: June 20, 2025
This article contains general information and is not intended to provide information that is specific to American Express products and services. Similar products and services offered by different companies will have different features and you should always read about product details before acquiring any financial product.
Knowing how to void a check can help you prevent fraud or seamlessly set up direct deposit and automatic payments. Here’s how to properly void a check.
At-A-Glance
- A voided check may be necessary to set up direct deposit and automatic bill payments, or to correct errors.
- Voiding a check is a very simple process that can be done in just a few steps.
- You may be able to use alternative forms of bank verification, like a direct deposit form or bank letter, if you don’t have a paper check to void.
Although paper checks are increasingly uncommon in today’s digital world, they’re still often used for bank account verification. Whether you’ve written incorrect information on a paper check or you need to provide a void check to verify your bank account, voiding a check is easy.
What Is a Voided Check?
A voided check is simply a paper check with the word “VOID” written across the middle of it, with the account number and routing number still visible.1 This helps to ensure that nobody can use the check for fraudulent purposes but keeps account information visible to verify that the checking account belongs to you.
You can void a check from a personal checking account or a joint bank account that you share with someone else.
When to Void a Check
There are several instances when you may need to void a check. They include:
- Setting Up Direct Deposits
A voided check may be requested by your employer in order to verify your bank account information in order to make direct deposits on pay day. - Setting up Automatic Payments
If you want to schedule automatic payments for your mortgage, car loan or other bills, you may be asked to submit a voided check to verify the checking account. - Correcting a Mistake
If you make a mistake when writing a check, like writing the wrong amount, voiding it can ensure that the check cannot be re-used. Just make sure to void it before giving it to a payee. If you’ve already given the check, you’ll need to contact your bank to issue a stop payment, which may incur a fee.
5 Steps to Void a Check Safely
It’s important to void a check properly to avoid confusion and reduce fraud risks. Here’s how to void a check safely:
- Use a pen with black or blue ink.
- Write “VOID” in capital letters across the front of the check or across the date line, payee line, amount line, signature line and amount box.
- Make sure the account and routing information is still visible if you’re using the check for account verification.
- Leave the signature line blank. If you’ve already signed it, write “VOID” in large letters across both the front and the back of the check below the signature line.
- Make a copy of the voided check for future reference. Note the check number and date in your records to remind yourself why you voided the check.
Alternatives to Voided Checks
If you need a voided check for account detail verification, but you don’t use paper checks very often or you don’t have any available, there are a couple of alternatives you may want to consider. Check with your employer first to make sure these alternatives will work for them.
- Bank Letter
A letter from your bank detailing your account information and confirming you are a customer. Generally, you can get a bank letter in your financial institution’s online portal or mobile app. You may also call the bank and request that it send a bank letter to the requesting party. - Direct Deposit Form
Many employers offer direct deposit forms that can streamline account verification and avoid the need for a voided check. You may get one as part of the onboarding process with a new employer, or you can request one from them if you need to make any direct deposit changes. The employer will verify your account using the information provided on the form before making deposits.
With an Amex Rewards Checking account, you can use voided paper checks as verification or get a bank letter in just a few clicks. Plus, you can earn rewards on everyday purchases just for using your account.
Frequently Asked Questions
Voided checks are an easy way for employers to confirm your banking information and set up direct deposits for payroll. A voided check can reduce the likelihood of transcription errors.
You may not be deposit a voided check. It’s possible that an ATM initially accepts a voided check and credits your account, but when the check fails to clear, the funds will be removed from your account.2 You’ll likely also be charged a fee.
You may request that your bank stops payment on a check you’ve already given someone, but this can incur a fee. Voiding a check before you give it to a payee avoids the inconvenience of contacting the bank or paying a fee.
It can be safe to use a voided check as account verification, provided you properly void the check, only share it with a trusted party, and remember to shred and dispose of it after use.
The Takeaway
A voided check can verify your banking information when you need to set up direct deposits or automatic payments. Properly voiding a check is also an important security measure to help reduce the risks of someone writing fraudulent checks in your name.
1 “What Is a Voided Check and When to Use One,” U.S. News & World Report
2 “What is a void check?,” Rippling
Nick Perry writes about personal finance, real estate, insurance and other complicated topics that need simplifying. He lives in Melrose, Massachusetts with his wife, son, and dog, Goose.
All Credit Intel content is written by freelance authors and commissioned and paid for by American Express.
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